What defines an accidental insider?

An accidental insider is best defined as someone who unintentionally causes harm or compromises security within an organization. This can happen through a variety of means such as making a mistake, misconfiguring systems, or inadvertently exposing sensitive data. Accidental insiders do not have malicious intent; rather, their actions, whether due to ignorance or oversight, can lead to security breaches or data leaks.

In this context, defining an accidental insider in terms of intent is crucial. Unlike individuals who deliberately seek to undermine a system or exploit vulnerabilities, an accidental insider's actions stem from a lack of awareness or a simple error, not from a desire to harm the organization.